Union Theatre Cafe in Southwark

We dropped in for the first time for a late breakfast shortly after the opening up in mid-May 2021. My breakfast baguette was excellent, as was my wife's eggs and mushrooms. My son is a fussy eater, but they were happy to put together a breakfast for him. Coffee good. Service very friendly.

Got seated at a table then told it was reserved. Put at another table and still waiting to be served after 25min.

Fui a Union Theatre Cafe dos veces y la experiencia ha sido genial en ambas ocasiones.Antes tomaba una copa para ver la actuación en este acogedor teatro.La jovencita detrás de la barra de café fue encantadora y profesional y toda la experiencia en Union Theatre Cafe ha sido excelente.El servicio en el Café fue perfecto y las piezas fueron divertidísimas, divertidas y extremadamente agradables.

We stopped here for tea and coffee before a show. The staff are very helpful and friendly and it's ideal before and after shows.

The staff are so very friendly, the food is sublime and the coffee is truly to die for! I'm so sad I don't live in Southwark otherwise I would go here every day. And the music selection makes me never want to leave.

Tropecé con esta calle y encontré este encantador restaurante. El clima era agradable, así que decidimos quedarnos afuera. Los camareros formados por hombres, al menos cuando estuvimos allí, fueron muy amables. Los menús llegaron rápido. 2 de nosotros fuimos por el club sandwich, teníamos una hamburguesa y el falaffel wrap. Todo fue servido en diferentes platos con diferentes cubiertos. Lo cual fue original. No tuvimos que esperar mucho por la comida, pero no parecía que la comida fuera procesada. Parecía muy fresco. El ambiente era muy agradable y había varios otros restaurantes en la zona. Esto es como una perla escondida en las concurridas calles de Londres.

A fairly basic establsihemnet offering a limited menu but all food freshly made and the staff so friendly. Very convenient for the Union Theatre as it's a part of it!

This was my inaugural return to London after almost a decade of various ill health. To not have to deal with the pressures of metropolis and cut into this wonderful cosmopolitan idyl just off the Southwark Road, was not only a relief, but a fantastic surprise of happy smiles and welcoming staff. With it being affiliated to and part of The Union Theatre, a wonderful mix of creatives, city workers and audience intermix with the casual off-Street customers. Sitting in the wonderful alfresco areas or internally in the loft-look dining area with suitable contemporary rugged furniture, unlike many equivalent places, there is no falseness, no forced agenda, just lovely, cool and friendly staff. Sadly not having enough time to eat, although frankly I would have, the menus were varied, well thought out and fairly priced. My large Cappaccino was hot, and excellently presented, and again, sub-London priced! Part of my troubles is socio-anxiety, and I am very pleased to say that solely due to the staff and atmosphere of The Union Theatre Cafe, it was not exacerbated by anything - so, if there was an award, this place would be getting a “Mental Health Friendly Accreditation “. Thank you!

Can’t believe I’ve never reviewed this place before now. I stop in every time I’m in the area for the best cup of tea around. Was a bit of a regular in days gone by so always welcomed back. Ian & Howard always happy to greet new and regular customers both pretty quick to remember what you want. I’m sure it’s been hard work since the move from Over The Road but the attention to the customer hasn’t diminished.Proper Job.

I absolutely love this cafe in my local area. The food is great, but this place has so much more than just that. The staff are absolutely exceptional - the most friendly and most welcoming people you could ever hope to meet! My favourite dishes are the veggie breakfast on Sundays, and from the main menu, the omelettes and the halloumi wrap with fries.

So I use this place to have an early breakfast and catch up on emails if the su is out there is an off street seating or inside seating

Nous avons dégusté le Proper Job à £10. Un petit-déjeuner complet qui cale bien pour la journée. Avec la chance de le manger sur la terrasse.Les serveurs sont accueillants et serviables.

We really enjoyed visits to this cafe and bar. It has a lovely off road setting when the sun is out and nice solid dining space inside. The food itself is the star of the show though. Worth a visit if attending the theatre. We paid £17.50 for a veggie platter that was enough for 4 people to snack at or 2 to dine well with. Coffee is only £2.20 even Latte, etc.

Estábamos viendo una obra de teatro en el teatro. Habiendo llegado temprano nos dimos una vuelta. Lo que deberíamos haber hecho fue almorzar en la cafetería.

Venimos aquí semanalmente como nuestros niños asisten a las clases de teatro del domingo. Y debo decir que los desayunos son muy buenos. Soy un gran fanático de los huevos Benedict y Florentine, ya que la holandesa es bastante especial. Lástima que los ingleses no vengan con budín negro.

The Union Theatre cafe does a great breakfast. Period!

La comida y el café aquí son maravillosos. La gente es cálida, amable, acogedora y entretenida. Amo este lugar. Todo el mundo aquí es genial, pero conocí a Howard y él es un tipo totalmente genial. Extraño ir allí por mi queso tostada y americano. Conozco bien Londres y este es uno de mis lugares favoritos. Me encanta. Ir. David

Excellent quality food, great portion sizes and decent value. Very chilled atmosphere and an ideal place to come for a quiet weekend brunch.

Nos detuvimos aquí para desayunar. Fue realmente bueno para 10. Cada uno de nosotros teníamos un inglés completo. Un gran plato de exquisiteces bien cocinadas. La cafetería de alta calidad era un poco peculiar con mesas de madera viejas y sillas viejas, pero lleno de personal. El personal era muy amable y eficiente, puedo recomendar encarecidamente este lugar que está cerca de The Shard

We were just walking by and luckily found this place. Very good breakfast nice staff. Perfect way to start a day.

This very quaint cafe has a lovely welcoming feeling about it from the decor to the friendly service to a very varied menu including continental and British breakfast with a large amount of healthy options. Large portions and reasonable priced to eat inside or in a very private outside. Recommended

Excellent location in Southwark. Down a quiet alley. Good beer, nice to hang out with the wife after a long day of sightseeing. Gal behind the counter is super nice. Fun to watch the World World Cup outside.

The best burger l have had. Great fries. And wonderful staff . In one of London’s best areas. Lovely and youthful without the drinks.

Fuimos para el desayuno hoy. Las tazas de té eran de buen tamaño, el cubo cubos de café taza de tamaño. eran Me alegro optamos por el té. Los ingredientes que compone el desayuno era excelente. Usted podría haber huevos de todos modos quieres e incluso formas no. El Cumberland salchichas no eran demasiado herby que les hizo bastante aceptable para el desayuno. El tostador blanco era muy buena. Prefiero mi ser fritos en mantequilla los champiñones, pero hoy no parecen ser, pero aún estaban lo suficientemente bueno. El servicio era un poco más lento de lo esperado y los clientes que llegaron después que nosotros tenía sus bebidas calientes antes que nosotros.

A very reasonable priced place. Didn’t eat there but the food looked good. Staff were friendly and attentative it was very busy.

Mi madre tiene un montón de restricciones dietéticas debido a alergias, así que tenemos un tiempo difícil comer cuando viaja. Nuestra camarera era muy servicial y paciente mientras ayudarla encontrar comida que ella.

I wanted a light meal before the Matinee and had a BLT which was large and very tasty. I also had chips. This made a good light meal before the show.

En un reciente viaje a Londres nos eligió este café para desayunar cada mañana. Debe ser el más amable café en Londres y la comida era excelente. Había cinco de nosotros y nos encantó este lugar. Dos de nosotros vamos en agosto y nos hospedamos en el mismo hotel, así que puede comer el desayuno aquí cada mañana.

I hate giving people bad reviews but sorry, this was not a good breakfast experience. It shouldn't be that hard but both the food and service was truly bad.........and the waiter apologised for the latter saying the right chef wasn't in. Hmm!

The reasonably priced full proper job breakfast will keep you going all day. Pleasant sunny yard by the railway arches to sit out in, and no rush.

Wow! After one of their "Proper Job" full English Breakfasts you don't need to eat again until much later that day. I have to limit myself to one of these a month or I'd end up with a belly like One Blackfriars.

This lovely unique cafe is hidden away in an alley off Union Street under some railway arches. It has a lovely character and one can sit outside enjoying the atmosphere of the alley away from the street. The people there are really friendly. It is a very busy place which attracts lots of local workers and residents which is always a good sign. It serves a range of foods including breakfasts. Coffee is really good and prices reasonable.

Lovely outside seating area, great food and friendly staff. What more could you ask for. Def recommend.

Friendly welcome, lovely breakfasts (all four of us had something different) and the best coffee I've had in ages. The place is full of characters and was busy with locals, which says it all. Recommended and deserves supporting

It's "hidden away" in a yard under some railway arches but it's a suntrap until after lunch time and makes the best full English breakfast, "the Proper Job", which will keep you going until dinner time. A classic British cafe.

8 libras. 50 para una taza de té y dos huevos, salchichas, bacon propiamente dicho 2, champiñones, judías, tomates fritos y dos rebanadas de pan tostado - todos cocinados a la orden. Un tesoro escondido y si alguna vez vas camino de southwark búscalo ah y el personal realmente como servir a sus clientes.

Mi pareja y yo fuimos en la noche antes de ir a la Tate Modern. Buena relación calidad-precio para bebidas y comida - él tenía pollo Jerk y el plato era de un tamaño realmente bueno sólo por 8 libras! Él estaba encantada! Sin duda...

Supera por mucho cualquier de las cadenas corporativas para el desayuno en Londres. Encantador Café, Sabroso bacon cálido baguette a sólo dos minutos de Metro southwark y El Corte. Sentado en un bonito patio en el sol al abrigo de la brisa. Increíble relación calidad-precio...

For me, the Union Theatre Cafe is much more theatre than cafe, though plenty of people would argue the point. It is really a big, happy pub with food and many, many fans. What I like, though, is the sassy take it has with the play productions in its theatre, which adjoins the pub space. We saw 'Moby Dick, the Musical', which was irreverent and hilarious and typical of the original world view of the Union Theatre company of writers, directors, and actors. Go there and expect the unexpected; you won't be disappointed, plus there a lot of friendly folks enjoying the scene with you.

My wife and I were down for a long weekend in London & staying at the Ibis hotel nearby. We found this superb cafe nearby & rather than spend a lot of money for breakfast at the hotel we decided to eat here - good choice lovely food at a fraction of the cost, very friendly staff as well. Excellent

All a bit confusing.This is still the cafe for The Union Theatre but the cafe and the theatre have moved a short distance to 229 Union Street SE1 0LR. The cafe with it's new name of OTR seems to be taking on a life of its own as a proper, full-time cafe (or perhaps it always was).OTR is undoubtedly well known to locals already, but visitors to the area should seek it out because it is excellent and very friendly.It's in a railway arch just off Union Street and anyone not familiar with the area will have to look carefully for the entrance.The cafe within the arch (which also serves as access to the theatre) is comfortable and there is the added attraction (in warm weather) of a large outside seating area.We happened upon the place by accident while wandering round on a Sunday morning looking for breakfast.What a lucky find. The breakfast was delicious. We both had "The Proper Job" which is a properly home-cooked full English breakfast - eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausage, herb tomatoes, toast (and a cuppa). The cost was £7.50 although we added a bit extra by having Americanos (good) rather than tea.The breakfast menu is extensive and there are plenty of veggie options.The staff were still coping with a few teething problems but they were great. Our server took the time to give us a quick look at the theatre.We've booked in for a theatre performance and look forward to eating again at OTR.

This cafe, attached to new Union Theatre which is now on opposite side if street, is very good indeed. Good selection of sandwiches and hot food and good size portions. Service was excellent, staff being very friendly. Very good value for money.

Wasnt great timing as there was construction going on in and around the outdoor seating area that made it decidedly unpleasant for our breakfast visit. The staff was chatty and friendly but didn't deliver when we asked for simple extras for our meal...ketchup and an extra plate and knife....in fact, the staff just disappeared. Food was decidedly average and minimal in size for somewhat hefty prices. (My bagel had egg and bacon on it as promised but it was unbuttered and no sauces in sight...poor value for the price paid). I guess it was supposed to be a trendy venue but we just felt somewhat suckered.

Great cafe and eating place. The Union Theatre Cafe has moved over the road next to the Union Jack pub in Union Street. It has a lot more room. You can take away sandwiches, bagels, cakes etc and there plenty of seating outside in a courtyard which is lovely in this warm weather. It also has a bar and seated area inside under the railway arches. They have a special daily menu as well as the takeaway bagels. There is a selection of coffee and they have a bar as well. There are regular theatre performances and workshops for children to do at varying times through out the year. It is a lovely place and well worth a visit when you are down in Southwark. It is very close to Southwark tube (Jubilee line). Staff are very helpful and it is a popular place to visit.

You love coffee/ tea? You love the arts and theatre? Go and do something good and support these actors/ directors and producers. A fabulous theatrical/ eccentric place with atmosphere. The service is prompt, very friendly and personal once you become a regular which won't be taking long. Even better if you belong to the theatre family. They really deserve all the help possible. Great premises with a big outside space. Good value for money with a big heart!

Visited it for the second time - it had been a tiny cafe next to railway arches but moved over the road last week and has expanded. Excellent, fresh and good-value food, coffee and company. The manager, Ian, most helpful and his fiancee, Zoe, really eager to please. A treasure near the Tate Modern worth visiting!

If you want poor service then please come here. If you want poor food then please come here. If you want no discount and limited apology for the poor service, please come here. We are a table of 10 currently paying for the ridiculously overpriced food. Let me explain more. Firstly the tiny starters were dumped down in front of the whole table even though we had ordered them individually. Only a small thing but set the tone for the clueless waiters and waitresses. Then the food came but they messed up one order. No real problem but I had to eat my food when most others had finished theirs. The main issue was that the tuna fish that was ordered tasted like pork. If that was tuna then I am extremely surprised and have never tasted anything like that, and I don't mean that as a positive! We complained and were offered desserts complementary. However to be honest we didn't want to taste any more of the distinctly average food. The pork dish was also very average for £25 and no one that had that dish would recommend it. So we expected some money to be taken off the bill for the average service and poor food, but nothing was taken off. We argued with the manager and he removed the discretionary service charge, clearly not concerned at all with our complaints. I have eaten at lots of posh and cheaper restaurants and this is my worst experience for years. Absolute waste of money.

Friendly staff, excellent prices and great atmosphere. It is moving over the road soon but don't walk past it.

The staff is lovely, great cappuccino and focacce ripiene.It is always full of people enjoying this little spot and the few tables, plus there is a little free library outside which is always half full of books. Always worth it to go there if you are in a rush to grab a coffee on the go!

A small café under the arches of the railway offering a range of snacks and food, ethically sourced and fresh. Very small, good for takeaways but also has a few tables outside

We happened to walk past as the chap was opening up and needed a brew. We got a tea and a bagel each for under a fiver.The man working there couldn't have been nicer; telling me and my son about the theatre and giving us a sneaky little look. A lovely way to while away a few minutes on a morning.The bagels were fresh, the tea was spot on. What more could you want. Try it.

First visit to this theatre to see Gatsby,really enjoyed the production. The theatre is very small and gives the feeling of being part of the play.Highly recommend a visit,staff very helpful a quirky place to visit

Went here to see bad girls the musical. What a performance it was! Very well acted. Will definitely recommend to anyone!

The value for money, as stated in other reviews is without question.But what makes this place is the excellent fresh quality of their food, the delicious coffees and the friendly efficient staff. I would name them all but to avoid embarrassment I'll just say all of the staff treat you very well. It's when they start to abuse you; you know you've become a regular.Highly recommended

Was desperate for a coffee before going into see our show. Sadly, there are only a few tables and the one that was available we were told was "reserved" some couldn't sit there. It turned out it was reserved for a friend (or so it seemed) of the young lady that worked there. As soon as this guy sat down, she was all over him like a bad rash! Just for the record, there were 3 other seats left at this table, but we had to share a table with a young lady on her own. Just a bit suspect really. Coffee was ok, but still served in cardboard cups even though we drankin and didn't take away. Decor was interesting - obviously all theatre rated. Service was friendly, don't get me wrong, we just won't be hurrying back.

This tiny place sells proper beigels from Brick Lane with a variety of fillings - forget the New York style so-called bagels that others sell, these are the genuine article.

I saw two plays here 13 odd years ago. I came here last night to see a play by Brecht which was excellently directed. Three rows of seats in a very professionally run theatre. Great bar with plenty of seats in a cafe style environment. I will be returning.

I attended a show at he theatre it was very small place and set under a bridge you could hear the trains going over above you. The sound in the theatre wasn't very good and didn't fill the place. I will try the cafe next time as good prices .

I stopped here for coffee on a Wednesday evening. An informal setting under the arxhss. Coffee was £1.80 which is very good value. Sat outside and watched the world go by.

What a find, great coffee and a tasty bagel. £2.50 for both. It's defiantly worth a pop in. The guys working there are very happy to see you. It's just under the archway.

Fast, friendly, intimate, informal...and a great show. Fine bagels too! What a little belter of a find, tucked away under an old railway bridge. Wonderful!

ho preso il "caffè del mattino" in questo posto molto piccolo e particolare ma con 1,20 sterlina ti gusti un buon SMALL ESPRESSO !

Great show with a wonderful atmosphere we really enjoyed it with the cast within touching distance they were so full of energy and great performance of Our House got us dancing in our seats at the end. Brilliant evening watching the show and called the next day to try the cafe in the morning we sat in the sunshine with a snack before starting our day

Great little place. Great prices for drinks and sandwiches. Highly recommend it. a few doors down from Travelodge.

We stumbled across this great find on our way to a workshop at the Globe. Howard served us and was both friendly and efficient. Our breakfast bagel was great as was the coffee and tea. There is a lovely homely atmosphere with a unique feel in a city of 'brands'. We would definitely recommend a visit.

Absolutely lived up to the previous reviews. Excellent flat white and macchiato coffee (given that I live in Italy), and refreshingly 'local' down to earth back garden atmosphere, slap bang in the midle of London. Genuinely great service from the staff who clearly feel about the place. And the price! May the cafe continue for ever!

I pop in for a Sausage Bagel and a Latte, and a read at the papers from time to time.At £2.50 in London this takes a bit of of beating and the guys are always friendly.

Really cute venue cafe bar theatre went to see a great musical need to put many more shows on here I wll retune :-) I recommend

This was the second visit to the theatre this time to see 'Spend Spend Spend'. As previous reviewer says do not miss it . It is very small and you are sitting inches away from the action such an experience. Understand it will be moving soon- a pity as this setting is so unique.

We went last night to the Union Theatre to 'Spend Spend Spend' - excellent - better than many West End shows - so much energy and you're inches/feet from the actors. Only 50 seats. The café is colourful, friendly, cheap, atmospheric, in a sort of alleyway on Union Street. Serves wine/beer/coffee/bagels etc. We'll go there again.

My office has recently moved to Southwark and I really like Union theatre's bagels, especially the egg mayonnaise one. There is a nice little seating area outside the theatre. I recommend everyone to go there. One day I will visit the theatre!!

Breakfast for £2.50 - a sausage bagel and big cup of tea. What more could you ask for? Oh yes, maybe a peanut butter brownie for afters :-) Very polite staff and tasty food. Couldn't fault this wee place and more than happy to support this venture rather than use big coffee chains.

Excellent breakfast spot, either to have in or take away. A variety of breakfast bagels and hot drinks all at bargainous prices, particularly in comparison to other chain vendors nearby. Happy to continue to support this charming and hardworking cafe

Super small theatre with an attached cafe. Beautifully quirky and intimate, you will feel you've had your own personal performance by people who care for their art and you.

Popped in on our way to the Tate from Southwark station and I'm so glad we did. Great coffee and super friendly service. Chilled out music and very cheap drinks. It's located in the entrance to the Union theatre but has heaters on the walls so is warm.

For quality and value,this is the winner,superb coffee and quite simply the best bacon bagel around,in fact all the sandwiches are top notch and amazingly low priced. Staff are very friendly nothing is too much trouble.

wow , some special evening . the device was faultless, the atmosphere friendly . the food was heaven

Only eaten in the outer area. Pleasant space and staff. one of three or four places within a few yards where you can get a decent breakfast/brunch if you are staying close on a room only deal. Quite a bit of character to this place.

We like to have breakfast here when staying at the Travelodge a couple of doors away. They do a lovely bacon or sausage bagel and a cup of tea or coffee for £2.20! The staff are always cheerful and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. It IS small but we have always managed to get a table as a lot of their trade seems to be people grabbing a quick drink or take away sandwich. It would be a real shame if they were forced to close because of compulsory purchase as rumour has it that the council wants the land for yet another ugly office block. This area is a real community let's hope they think again and don't ruin it!

This is a cafe rather than a restaurant but is lovely and cheap and quick. After the overpriced sappy stuff at Tate Modern it's an oasis in a desert of pretentious eating venues. Great coffee, great bacon sandwiches, great salmon and cream cheese bagels. Quick, efficient, and friendly. I love it. Go there.

good deals however its more of a shed than a café, you cant really enjoy sitting down here, however great for something to grab for the tube or walking

Excellent bacon bagel and coffee for £ 2.20. In London ! It is open to the elements so a little bit cold. But, at these prices, who cares !

Really loved this quirky little cafe. A great mug of tea for 70p was enjoyed by 2 very tired travellers. And there is a theatre behind the service area! Have heard it is going to be closed for redevelopment of the area. I hope this does not happen, as I will definitely be back the next time I'm in London.

This is literally a hole-in-the-wall place closed in off-hours with a fold-out metal grate. It only seats like 12 people but most of their trade seemed to be take-away. They make very good mochas & lattes and have a good range of both pastries & breakfast sandwiches. The sandwiches are apparently homemade. A warmed back bacon & egg bagel was quite good. The 2 guys who run the place are quick & cheerful and best of all it's not real expensive. Coffee and a breakfast bite for 4 people was just barely 12 pounds: cheap in expensive London.